The Journey to bring Vietnam pheasant back home

A group of 20 first pheasants are about to be transported from Berlin to Vietnam, marking a special milestone in the effort to breed the species for conservation and ultimately return this endemic bird to the forests that were once its home. More than a transport of rare species, this is the return of hope, of natural memory, and of a long-standing conservation commitment sustained across generations.

Photos 1,2,3,4: Transport crates_Vietnam Pheasants

In central Vietnam, these conditions are being developed in parallel. Within the historical range of the species, protected forest areas are being prepared as potential future release sites. Conservation teams are working on the ground to safeguard these habitats, monitor biodiversity, and reduce ongoing threats such as illegal hunting.

A central role in this effort is played by the Rare Pheasants Breeding Centre, operated by Viet Nature Conservation Centre (Viet Nature). As the first facility of its kind in Vietnam dedicated specifically to this species, the centre combines conservation breeding with research and environmental education, while also engaging local communities in protecting their natural heritage. “For Vietnam, the recovery of the Vietnam Pheasant is more than the return of a single species,” said Pham Tuan Anh, director of Viet Nature. “It represents our pride and responsibility in protecting our natural heritage. This project shows how conservation practitioners, scientists, local communities and authorities can come together to rebuild what has been lost.”

Photo 5:The Breeding Center for Rare Pheasant Species of Viet Nature

The strong leadership provided by the Vietnam authorities, partners, organizations, and ground conservation communities and an international network that has helped safeguard the breeding population for many years. From Europe to Vietnam, from breeding facilities to forests being prepared for the day of release, every step today is opening a rare opportunity to recover one of Vietnam’s endemic and highly threatened bird species.

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